Oxford, MS – The Ole Miss Rebels are generating significant buzz heading into the 2025 college football season, and that anticipation was further amplified this past week with the announcement of the Preseason All-SEC Teams. Four key Rebels have earned recognition from media members at SEC Media Days, underscoring the talent infusion and rising expectations surrounding Lane Kiffin’s program.
Junior kicker Lucas Carneiro and junior linebacker Suntarine Perkins led the way for Ole Miss, each earning Second-Team All-SEC honors. They are joined by senior defensive tackle Zxavian Harris and junior linebacker Princewill Umanmielen, both of whom were named to the Third-Team All-SEC. While no offensive players cracked the list for the Rebels, the strong defensive representation, coupled with the proven reliability of Carneiro, speaks volumes about the team’s potential on those sides of the ball.
The inclusion of these four players on the preseason lists is a testament to their individual performances in prior seasons and the high regard in which they are held within the conference. For a program looking to build on its recent success and make a push for contention in an expanded SEC, these early accolades provide valuable momentum and recognition.
**Suntarine Perkins: A Rising Star on Defense**
Linebacker Suntarine Perkins’ selection to the Second-Team All-SEC is perhaps the least surprising of the bunch. Perkins, already a preseason All-American by both Walter Camp (second-team) and Phil Steele (fourth-team), was a disruptive force for the Rebel defense in 2024. His blend of athleticism, instincts, and tackling prowess quickly made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing offenses. As a junior, Perkins is expected to take on an even larger leadership role in defensive coordinator Pete Golding’s system, and his presence on the field will be crucial for a unit that aims to be truly elite in 2025. His ability to impact both the run and pass game, whether through blitzes, coverage, or open-field tackles, makes him a true cornerstone of the Ole Miss defense.
**Lucas Carneiro: The Dependable Leg**
Junior kicker Lucas Carneiro’s inclusion on the Second-Team All-SEC highlights his consistency and importance to the special teams unit. In a league where close games are the norm, having a reliable kicker is paramount, and Carneiro has proven to be just that. His ability to convert field goals under pressure and handle kickoff duties with precision makes him an invaluable asset. His strong leg and accuracy will be critical in tight contests throughout the demanding SEC schedule.
**Zxavian Harris and Princewill Umanmielen: Anchors on the Defensive Line**
The selections of senior defensive tackle Zxavian Harris and junior linebacker Princewill Umanmielen to the Third-Team All-SEC further emphasize the strength of the Ole Miss front seven. Harris, a powerful interior lineman, is vital in stopping the run and occupying blockers, allowing linebackers like Perkins and Umanmielen to make plays. His experience and strength will be key in a conference known for its dominant offensive lines.
Princewill Umanmielen, another talented linebacker, adds to the Rebels’ defensive versatility. His speed and ability to rush the passer from the edge, combined with his solid coverage skills, make him a multi-faceted threat. As a junior, Umanmielen is poised for a breakout season, and his preseason recognition suggests that media members anticipate a significant impact from him.
**Impact on the Season Outlook**
While preseason honors are not guarantees of future success, they do offer a glimpse into the perceived strengths of a team and its individual players. For Ole Miss, having four players recognized on the All-SEC teams validates the significant talent accumulated by head coach Lane Kiffin through both traditional recruiting and, notably, the transfer portal. The Rebels boast the No. 2 rated transfer class and the No. 15 rated high school signing class, demonstrating Kiffin’s commitment to reloading the roster.
The media poll projected Ole Miss to finish seventh in the expanded SEC, a respectable position in a conference now featuring 16 teams with the additions of Texas and Oklahoma. Texas was picked to win the SEC Championship, followed by Georgia and Alabama, illustrating the immense competition within the league.
However, the Rebels’ strong defensive showing in the preseason All-SEC teams, coupled with the promising outlook for new starting quarterback Austin Simmons and a wealth of returning and incoming talent on offense, suggests that Ole Miss could exceed those expectations. The 2024 season saw Ole Miss achieve a third 10-win season in four years under Kiffin, culminating in a dominant Gator Bowl victory.
The 2025 schedule presents both challenges and opportunities. The Rebels open with four straight home games, a favorable start that could allow the team to build early momentum. The critical stretch will come in October with road games at Georgia and Oklahoma, which will undoubtedly be litmus tests for Ole Miss’s playoff aspirations.
Ultimately, the Rebels are in a “playoff or bust” scenario in 2025. The talent is in place, the coaching staff is experienced, and the expectations are high. The preseason All-SEC honors serve as an early indicator that the individual pieces are there for Ole Miss to make a serious run in a stacked conference. Now, it’s about execution on the field. The stage is set for an exciting season in Oxford, and these four All-SEC Rebels will undoubtedly play pivotal roles in the Rebels’ pursuit of a historic season.
